A 40% rumen fluid basal medium has been developed that without added substrate will support growth of about 10% or less of the total colony count obtained with 40% rumen fluid-glucose-cellobiose-starch-agar medium (RGCSA). The basal medium is prepared by anaerobic incubation of all ingredients in RGCSA medium except the carbohydrates, Na2CO3, and cysteine for 7 days at 38 degrees C. After incub...